Blizzard Page 8

  “Why?” His eyes were shaded in a manner she could not read; whether he understood the true reasons or not, he was expecting her to explain the request.

  “Because he will take something precious from me which I am not prepared to give.” She felt like the little girl Zachariah always treated her as, small though strong, but still just a girl.

  “You are his wife, and I cannot keep such a secret from my cousin.” Zachariah was rubbing his chin and jawline as he looked from the floor to the ceiling and then to her eyes.

  Eliza began crying almost instantly and just as unexpectedly scolded herself mentally for showing such weakness. To anyone. Let alone Zachariah. But the emotions had become a whirlwind, a waterspout tearing apart every barrier she had put in place.

  “This…don’t cry, Eliza. This is…it is perfectly normal between a husband and wife.”

  Eliza wiped away the tears in an enraged manner. She wanted to kill Zachariah for how ignorant he was. “I’m not crying for that, but for more than you will ever understand. A year, at least give me a year more before you tell him!”

  His face was showing new expressions, at least ones Eliza had never been privy to, telling her he almost could not fathom such a request as she made then. “Hide from my cousin for a year that you have…you are…I mean your time has come? That’s a bit much to ask of me, Eliza.”

  She wanted to expose her fears to Zachariah, to tear apart her chest and reveal the fractures that had been etched into her heart from the rampages Reegan had been releasing, the fear she felt for her family. Her soul was screaming from the deepest parts that her parents would be no more; without having proof, she still knew it to be true. Reegan would find a way to rid himself of her parents. Instead she kept her mouth shut tight as she considered any feasible method to get him to agree.

  “If you do this for me, then I guarantee…no, I promise to ensure that Pearl marries one of the suitors and no longer pursues or harasses you before even six months’ time has passed!”

  Zachariah let loose a bitter laugh before recognizing the honesty in her proposal. “You think I have not put her off with everything that’s happened since yesterday? I can handle my own affairs, thank you.”

  “You don’t know Pearl.” Eliza felt a sneer cross her face. She knew it was true enough; Pearl would find a way to hurt him as much as he had rebuffed her advances, leaving her to feel disgraced by her actions and his admonishments. “The pain you have caused her will not go unpunished. If she cannot have you, I have no doubt she will then try to destroy you so no other will have you.”

  Zachariah’s brows crinkled under the revelation. “You believe this to be true and have kept her as your closest ally? You’re bluffing.” His voice held only the slightest edge of uncertainty.

  But it was enough for Eliza to know she had anchored doubt to his feet. She would push him into the depths of those perilous waters.

  “Yes, she has redeeming qualities—those you know nothing about either—but I have been taught to understand it is better to keep the wielder of a knife before you rather than behind.”

  “Enemies closer…” Zachariah mused.

  “If you thought your agreement with the king was beyond repair, wait until you see what outlandish claims she makes, and then you will see just how far you can fall from your dreams.” Eliza felt dirty with her tactics, but not so much that she would not employ them to their fullest effect.

  Zachariah’s face darkened, and for a moment she feared he might thrash her himself—though he had never raised a hand to her, never threatened her, she feared she had gone beyond his ability to think logically. Rather than acting out, he stood, rigid and hard lines. “We have a deal, Lady Eliza.” With that, he bowed and exited without another word.

  Eliza felt a certain pain in his including her more formal title. All their training and his shadowing her near-every move had formed some slight bond, she had thought. Yet, all these underhanded dealings had demolished that carefully constructed connection, and in his exit she had felt the return of the cold and calculating man she had first met.

  So another year passed, with Reegan frequently gone, his claim that he was assessing damages and working on securing their borders from the bandits. Zachariah remained distant, though vigilant with his duties towards Eliza, sparing no additional conversation aside from ensuring she was making good on her end of their bargain. Eliza followed through, and managed to convince Pearl to marry a noble from within their own lands, though it took one extra month than she had anticipated. During that time, she found her room was the only privacy she was afforded, and she was forced to memorize and practice what blessings she could from the book.

  Pearl had a fierce dedication to any cause she put her mind to, but with Zachariah providing his own cold shoulder and heavy formalities, she forfeited her slighted heart for luxury. Pearl’s husband was older than her by fifteen years, well off, and not terribly unhandsome by Eliza’s standards. He still had all his dirty blond hair, even if it had begun to thin ever so slightly, but his eyes had appeared kind in their hazel hues. Though his jawline was weak and his nose just a tad larger than would be handsome, he carried himself well and was known to his own tenants as a gentle man, a kind soul that was also firm and strict with his religious beliefs.

  Pearl would never want for more in all her days, not on a material level. After their wedding and honeymoon, she continued her visits regularly to Eliza, constantly bragging about his constant appeasement to her demands and how married life had “opened her eyes” to innumerable pleasures. Pearl was teasing, trying to draw out details from Eliza, who only offered a blushing smile.

  “Come now, Eliza, we’re both married women. There is nothing to be so bashful about!” Pearl slid in a wink and large grin with the pressure for an answer.

  “You will have to forgive my shyness and recall Lord Reegan is often gone.”

  “Oh,” Pearl responded, her eyes going large. “Not much time for intimacy then, my apologies.” Pearl took another drink from her teacup, seeming both embarrassed for herself and for Eliza.

  The past year had provided Eliza plenty of time to grow into her own figure, one that Pearl envied. While Eliza had desired Pearl’s figure, which was still the hourglass figure though slight, Eliza’s own had come in just as well and still had room for gaining improvements.

  “Certainly he cannot complain. Perhaps I can give you…tips to help keep Lord Reegan home for longer?”

  Eliza shifted uneasily at the topic of discussion. “I am perfectly capable of managing my own marital affairs, Pearl, and I would appreciate it if you did not speak so casually about such private matters.” Eliza’s cheeks and nose burned bright pink with her words.

  “I had only thought—”

  Pearl was beginning her rebuff when the doors opened without notice, and in stepped Lord Reegan. An expression of surprise registered on his face seeing the two women sitting together, Eliza with her embarrassed expression which she fought to hide and Pearl with her haughty expression. Not forgetting her manners, Pearl provided a deep curtsy to Lord Reegan, with Eliza providing her own not nearly as dramatically.

  “Lord Reegan, it is a pleasure to see you have returned! How long have you been away this time?” Pearl smiled, her teeth shining against the midday sunlight.

  “Lady Edelberg.” Reegan bowed, releasing her from the required formality and smiling in a wolfish manner. “I understand congratulations are in order. What happy news for you and your family, marriage is a blessed union.” But Reegan’s eyes were not on Pearl as he spoke; instead, his gaze was swallowing Eliza up entirely, leaving her feeling exposed. “You and your husband must stay here tonight. Join us for dinner.”

  “We graciously accept, Lord Reegan.” Pearl was giving her own wolfish gaze to Reegan, one Eliza did not miss as she looked between the pair. “I shall head home immediately to inform him of your honorable invitation.” Pearl half turned to Eliza, providing her a partial curtsy, before exiting in a
n almost levitated fashion.

  Reegan only lifted his left arm, two fingers to the air and whirled a circle, signaling his men at the door to leave him and Eliza to their private matters.

  “My dearest wife.” The words made Eliza cringe. “It seems time has been most kind to you. Is it as I believe? You have reached your maturity as a woman?”

  At his advancing steps, Eliza took her own steps backwards, causing Reegan to pause and cast an inquiring gaze upon her.

  “Do you fear me? You shouldn’t. I am your husband.” Reegan’s smile became something impure.

  “I have not reached my maturity to womanhood.” She rushed the words out, knowing the lie must be obvious. Her body spoke in volumes alone; even her face had changed over time, and her voice had lost the innocence of a child she had once loathed. “Though Mrs. Deboan believes it will be soon.” She dared to further the lie with a white lie. Indeed, Mrs. Deboan had suspected but relented her own inquiries, believing Eliza to be the “latest bloomer” she had ever encountered.

  The mention of Mrs. Deboan stopped Reegan’s advance entirely. “Ah,” he said. Her word had been truth; regardless of any discrepancies in the past, he trusted her fully in such a matter. “Well, then, perhaps I shall be home more with such…knowledge.”

  Reegan resumed closing the gap between himself and Eliza and pulled her into his embrace, slowly leaning down and kissing her firmly. It was the only other time aside from their wedding day he had kissed her, and it was all the more uncomfortable. There was no emotion behind the kiss, no feeling, just affirmation of his authority over her, his wife. His property. He pulled away to read her face, that strange reflection coming over his own that spoke volumes of his intent. “I will be joining you and Zachariah during your training today. I should like to see the progress you have made in my absence.” Reegan carried on with the charade by taking her hand in his as he began his departure and kissing the backside of her hand while smiling the wicked smile.

  Once Reegan had fully departed from the room, she stumbled back into the chair. A light knock came to the door, Mrs. Deboan to help dress her for the rigorous training. She carried through the motions with practiced habit, not able to accurately recall just how her clothes had been exchanged or how her sword came to rest in its familiar place across her left hip while feeling her life slipping away with every second that the future devoured. After she joined Zachariah and Reegan in the stables, only Reegan made idle conversation, seemingly completely at ease and without recognition of the awkward silence that had taken the others’ tongues.

  “We will ride alone.” Reegan spoke without looking at the servants who were always nearest him. “For now, I have left my instructions. Do not fail in their execution during my absence.”

  Reegan flashed his most winning smile, causing Eliza’s anxious butterflies to swarm within her stomach. Reaching the clearing where practice was regularly held, Reegan made himself comfortable as he watched the two set to their usual schedule. Thrusts, parries, side steps, and more were danced between Eliza and Zachariah, with Reegan watching carefully with his unnerving smile plastered across his face.

  “I see your praise is well placed, Zachariah.” Reegan stood, taking up his own sword. “Eliza, my darling wife, let me have a go. Rest, you have both gone near half an hour in your practice already.”

  Eliza sat down on the withered log where Reegan had just been reclining, a rising sensation filling her with some dread.

  “Truly, Zachariah rarely offers praise for anyone or anything, but for you, Eliza, he would trumpet you to the heavens!” Reegan attacked first with such speed and precision he landed the first blow across Zachariah’s dominant right arm, causing him to wince in pain and Eliza in kind.

  It was the first of many that were to follow; although Zachariah landed his own, he was clearly no match for Reegan. Eliza was acutely aware this was more than just teaching him a lesson; Reegan seemed intent on crippling Zachariah, possibly even killing him. She feared Reegan knew the truth of their secret, their pact, but he said nothing, only continued his deadly assault.

  Thrust, jab, cut, parry, parry. Eliza followed each movement exchanged between the two, uncertain of how or why Zachariah was not able to deflect more blows and save his own skin. He was in tatters before Eliza found the strength to speak out. “STOP!” She had yelled the command more than anything else. “This is too much, Reegan! What is the cause for such brutality in training?”

  The smile disappeared and was replaced by a disgusted, hateful smirk. “Your turn, dear.” Reegan turned his sword to Eliza, Zachariah straightening from the hindering pain in the direction of Reegan’s attention.

  “No.” Eliza dared to be bold. She was afraid after seeing what he was capable of with Zachariah.

  “Raise your sword now, Eliza, or I will be forced to take my own measures against you, armed or not.” Reegan’s voice bellowed across the field and lake, rebounding off the distant mountains and trees.

  Eliza recognized the threat for what it was; he meant his words. Slowly, a slight shake to her hands that betrayed her in the sword’s dancing reflection, she raised her sword up to defend herself against Reegan. He was too fast, she knew. He was deadly, without thought, she understood. Yet she could not pinpoint what had caused the devolving situation. She barely had the time to consider the possibility of his just exerting his temper before Reegan came sweeping in from above with his blade, full force of his strength and weight bearing down. She parried and twirled away from his downcast blade, burying the edge and tip deep into the solid ground.

  “HAHAHAHAHA-AAA! You are naturally talented, how delightful.”

  Eliza watched and followed his moves with the utmost caution. She did not believe her life worth much any time, let alone in the present situation.

  “I wonder what other natural skills you possess.”

  “Enough, Reegan!” Zachariah spoke out, regaining some of his own nerve after receiving such devastating blows.

  “So he speaks. My little cousin does have a voice and somewhat of a spine! What of your loyalty, though?” Reegan asked, his voice mock hurt.

  “I have always been loyal to you—”

  Reegan barked out an angry laugh, cutting Zachariah off. “You have been spinning too many tales, Zachariah, you have lost track! I know just what you have been up to, and what you have been hiding from me, what is rightful to a husband.”

  “I have held nothing back from you.” Zachariah’s eyes narrowed as Reegan kept his sword pointed towards Eliza, his stance shifting. Recognition caused Zachariah to lunge forward; Reegan was aiming to run Eliza through without hesitation, but Zachariah crossed the path before the other man was able to carry through. Eliza’s scream cut through the open air and echoed back.

  “I have been nothing but honest, Zachariah,” Reegan said.

  Eliza managed to catch Zachariah in his descent as Reegan pulled his sword free. The strike had carried straight through Zachariah’s left lung, missing the bones of his rib cage but leaving openings for blood to begin pooling immediately.

  “Had you wanted to know the truth, you should have simply asked me, not made inquisitions on such a broad scale. Did you not think there would be repercussions?” Reegan spit his words out in anger, his face turning red a moment as the veins bulged in his neck and forehead. “And HER! How could I miss seeing she has most assuredly reached her maturity peak, but you lied about that, as well.” Loosing a large cloth from within his jacket pocket, Reegan wiped the blade clean of the blood, the red blossoming across the white linen as it absorbed the precious life.

  Zachariah grimaced against the pain as he lay against Eliza’s legs and upper body. Her panic had temporarily overwhelmed her as she pressed her hands to the wound atop his own. The blood was soaking through his clothes, and Eliza felt feared losing Zachariah.

  “Why? Why would you do this?” Her fear pulled the tears from her eyes.

  “I’m so…sorry.” Zachariah was wheezing, his breathing
heavy and labored, which pumped more blood into the lung.

  “No.” It was more of a cry than a response. “I will…I will make this right.” Eliza sniffled several times, willing herself to focus. “I’m so sorry, Zachariah.” Eliza could feel his blood pouring out from the back side, warming her lap as she placed her hands squarely above the grievous wound.

  Reegan only stood as a silent watcher, his hungry eyes exercising an incredible amount of control and patience.

  “Cover and bind, release and flow, heal the wounds and ease the soul.” Eliza spoke in rushed whispers, barely audible, causing Reegan to draw nearer where the two clung to one another. Zachariah had gripped her forearms, his bloodied hands leaving marks across her sleeves. The smell of the blood drying was bitter, distracting Eliza as she felt hysteria taking hold of her senses.

  “S…stop, ‘ts fine…” His words gurgled within a cough.

  He was dying faster than Eliza knew possible. She had never witnessed anyone die, but here was Zachariah, her protector and unsaid rival in one, dying under her fingertips. She forced herself to focus and calm her mind before she took one last glance to Reegan, his face a stone carved with anticipation. Eliza recited the blessing again, focusing and forcing all her will and prayers into healing the death sentence. The past year she had mostly spent her time memorizing the blessings from the book, but not truly able to practice, and it seemed that would be the death of Zachariah—until the warmth spread from under her palms.

  It brought a light far brighter than that of the simple spell she had used when opening the hiding spot for the blessed book, and the warmth and light spread under her palms to beneath her hands entirely. Eliza could feel the blessing draw its energy from her own body and siphon it into Zachariah’s. She sat, waiting patiently until all the shimmering, bright white light had dissipated before she dared remove her hands. She was concerned she would move her hands and find the wound still open, sputtering blood inside and out, but she found only clean skin with no mark, no indication of the assault. The only proof that any attack had occurred were the holes in Zachariah’s clothes and the blood staining Eliza’s tanned pants. Zachariah’s breathing eased as he sat up, feeling and testing the point of contact and finding no breach. All of his cuts had been healed.